Open the Envelope
Uncategorized

Revisiting Waterproofing: How Historic Masonry Facades Managed Moisture—And What Modern Approaches Get Wrong
During a recent façade inspection of a 6-story masonry building constructed in 1899, I was

Why Exploratory Openings Matter: Reducing Risk in Building Restoration Through Early Investigation
As a building enclosure consultant and professional engineer practicing in the building restoration and preservation

The Boston Façade Ordinance: Long-Term Value for Building Owners
The City of Boston’s Façade Inspection & Safety Program is often viewed narrowly as a

Duffy Engineering – Turning the calendar 2025 to 2026
These year-end/turning the calendar articles are becoming an annual thing. By that, I mean this

When the World’s Most Famous Museum Springs a Leak: What Property Owners Should Learn
On May 3, 2025, after a violent hailstorm moved through Paris, the Louvre Museum—home to

First 24 Hours Leak-Response Checklist
A Building Enclosure Professional’s Guide for Property & Facility Managers As a follow-up to some

Telling the Story Behind the Work: The Importance of Marketing in Engineering
Engineers solve real problems, but many struggle to talk about that work in a way

Major Updates to New York City’s Façade Safety Program
As with many New York City regulations, the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) was

What New York’s Amended RPAPL §881 Really Means for Your Next Façade or Roofing Project
How S.3799 Will Change Access Agreements for Building Owners & Property Managers When restoration, façade

Winter Readiness for Roofs, Garages, and Façades in NYC & Boston
Harsh freeze–thaw cycles, coastal exposure, and de-icing salts make the northeast a particularly demanding environment